Green Building is the Future of Building Construction and Interior Furnishings in the United States and Internationally     What Is Certified Green? MAS Certified Green is a registered trademark to deliniate your low VOC emitting products in the marketplace so that purchasers and specifiers of those products know that they can earn credits in sustainability programs like LEED and California CHP program. It's impossible today to read paper or watch a newscast and not encounter the term “green” as a metaphor for sustainability, environmental stewardship and improved indoor air quality. “Green” building was coined in the early 1990s by a small group of architects, engineers and contractors to promote a new way of looking at construction. Since that time its has grown to an international movement that no longer addresses a niche earthy or upscale market, rather it is becoming the standard for all construction projects. Moving forward it will likely be impossible to remain competitive any associated building/furnishings/finishes industry without implementing a comprehensive green agenda. In America, the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is leading the way with their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) programs and Green Building Rating Systems™ by encouraging and accelerating global adoption of sustainable green building through accepted tools and performance criteria. There Are Currently Eight USGBC LEED® Rating Systems • Commercial Interiors (IC) • New Construction (NC) • Existing Buildings (EB) • Core & Shell (CS) • Schools • Retail • Healthcare • Homes (H)     In the rating system for each program, points are awarded in a wide range of categories for meeting certain “Green” criteria specified by each. Designations as Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of LEED green building are awarded based on the total number of points earned within each LEED category. Indoor Environmental Quality is the broad category addressed in each of the LEED programs that provides credits for the use of low-VOC emitting materials which will improve the indoor air quality. If your company manufactures or imports materials used in buildings, then these are the product credits/approval that your customers are seeking in today's green savvy market. MAS can provide both consulting and analytical testing services necessary to distinguish your company's products as “Green”. Let our scientists help you catch the wave and meet the Green Challenge.